On what it will take for someone in the Western Conference to overtake the Golden State Warriors: “They have really good chemistry; I don’t see anything breaking that up.”

On superstars sitting out road games for rest: “Sometimes we forget what it takes (financially) for a family to go to a major sporting event. Then (a team like the Cavs) plays four (games) in five (nights), so we’re going to sit LeBron James down in Salt Lake City.”

On teams on the rise: “Philadelphia has gotten some people’s attention, and Phoenix with all that young talent. Milwaukee fits that mold, too, if they hold on to Giannis” Antetokounmpo.